The list voted most important invention of all time

In a recent survey of science historians, the history of science book has been torn up and thrown away with the revelation that the humble list is the most important invention of all time.

"We thought that they might choose Newton's laws of motion," said Professor Brian Cox, "or the internet. Even the wheel was pretty important in it's day. It'll be less important when we invent anti-gravity, but still, the wheel is amazing."

With tens of thousands of years of invention, including language, art and Velcro, the survey was decided by the Royal institute of Science as the best way of getting to the most important invention ever.

"Obviously the internet was up there," said Cox. "As was the air freshening inner sole. But head and shoulders above hard hats and shoulder pads, was the list."

The list has been pushed to the top of the pile as everybody who came to compile their top inventions, put them in a list.

"Everybody realised," said Cox, "that everything we do starts with a list. The invention of the wheel would have started with a list, as did the internet and seed drill, or the carpet. Everything starts with a list. And their still a vital part of everyday life. They make shopping easier, they help people find the phone number their after."

Most people cannot envisage an alternative to the list.

"Without the list," said Cox, "Modern life would simply grind to a halt as people mill around trying to remember what they're doing next."

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